She pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by failing to disclose capital affecting benefits, and faced a potential 21-month prison sentence.

Judge Deborah Sherwin said: ‘I don’t see it’s in the public interest for this lady to go into custody now.

‘It’s obviously something she now bitterly regrets. I can see she’s fairly terrified by the proceedings.’

She was spared jail at Teesside Crown Court (Picture: PA)

The judge added: ‘Can I make it clear from the outset that you’re not going to prison today. I can see that you’re frightened and you’re worried about that.

‘I’m persuaded that the reason you committed these offences was because you listened to friends who gave you bad advice about what was going to happen to the money you got as a result of your parents’ will.’